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This quarterly newsletter, the Lecompton Historical Society’s Bald Eagle, soared into cyberspace earlier this year. It’s a major event for historians, educators, Kansas Territory buffs, because it provides access to nearly 30 years of historical accounts of happenings in much of northeastern Kansas. What’s so satisfying to the Bald Eagle staff is that the genealogy presentations of Iona Spencer and John Peterson, the historical writings of Sara Walters, Iona Spencer, John Peterson, Tim Rues, Paul Bahnmaier, Chuck Wright, Julia Springer, J. Howard Duncan, Opal Goodrick; Brian Matthew Jordan, history major, Gettysburg College; Thomas Goodrich,

Lecompton high School graduate and noted Kansas author; and Dr. Robert W. Johannsen, Professor of History, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; and the wonderful artwork of Ellen Duncan are available to all the world on the Internet. The Internet marketing hotshots spend hours and days to get what they call “the viral effect,” a disease, a virus that’s unstoppable and spreads the must-see idea of a website throughout the world. Well. Guess what? In Lecompton we’ve a bunch of geek hotshots, namely our Society’s members. What they have done is tell their own version of igniting a “viral” effect by telling someone’s Uncle Jim in Concordia

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the political birthplace of the american civil war capital city of kansas territory :: territorial capitol:: constitution hall:: democratic hq:: constitution:: the bald eagle:: motor coach operators:: reenactors:: contact:: history

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·:· Welcome to Lecompton Kansas ·:·

:: About LecomptonLecompton was founded in 1854 and platted on a bluff on the south bank of the Kansas River. It was originally called "Bald Eagle," but then later changed to Lecompton in honor of Samuel D. Lecompte, the chief justice of the territorial supreme court. In 1855, the town... read more

:: The Bald Eagle archives now available onlineThe Bald Eagle is the quarterly publication of the Lecompton Historical Society. The publication includes in-depth articles about the major role Lecompton played as the capital ofKansas Territory and the significant impact it had in the coming United States Civil War. Also included are histories of surrounding communities, churches, schools, early settlers, local celebrations and other articles related to the Territorial Capital of Kansas. View Bald Eagle archives.

:: Bleeding Kansas Lecture Series - 2008Mark your calendars for the 2008 Bleeding Kansas Lecture Series at Constitiution Hall. For more information, click here.

:: Lecompton Reenactors - New Brochure availableView the brochure now

:: Lecompton Constitution Coming Back to Lecompton After 150 YearsThe original 1857 Lecompton Constitution will be on display at Constitution Hall State Historic Site in Lecompton the weekend of February 10 &11, 2007. Document display hours are: Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday 1-5. At 2 pm, Sunday, Feb. 11, Brian Matthew Jordan from Gettysburg College will give a talk on the constitution titled: "The Little Giant and Old Buck: Stephen A. Douglas, James Buchanan, the Lecompton Constitution, and the Crisis of the American Republic" as part of the "Bleeding Kansas '07" program series. There is no admission fee to view the constitution or to attend the talk, but donations are welcomed. Lecompton Constitution -- LJWorld.com.CJOnline.

An informational PDF document regarding the Lecompton Constition is also available.

:: 8 Wonders of KansasBe sure to vote for Constitution Hall in the 8 Wonders of Kansas Contest.

:: Missouri Kansas Border War

:: Fourth Annual Bald Eagle RendezvousFur Trade era Mountain Men lodge camps at Lecompton's scenic Bald Eagle Riverview Park on the bluffs overlooking the Kaw River. Poster.

:: The Fort Titus CabinThe Lecompton Historical Society, with funds generously provided by the Wayne and Maybelle Slavens Hall Fund, has constructed a representation of Henry Titus' cabin that sits 100 yards southeast of the Museum. It was designed collectively by the Lecompton Historical Society's Board of Directors. See the pictures.

:: Camp Sackett: Ground Zero in 1856, A Quarry in 2005?Read about the efforts by the Lecompton Historical Society to prevent the Camp Sackett site from becoming a mining quarry here.

:: Photos from the Hunley Crew FuneralOn April 17, 2004, a funeral services were held for the Hunley Crew in Charleston. Howard Duncan took several

Page 1 of 2Historic Lecompton - birthplace of the civil war

5/18/2008http://www.lecomptonkansas.com/index.php?doc=home.php

is the number of different times people worldwide have visited www.LecomptonKansas.com in the past 12 months.

Incredibly, Our Very Own ‘Geeks’ Instigated An Eight-Year Virus!

continued on page 9

VOL. 34, NO.2 LECOMPTONKANSAS.COM SUMMER 2008

BALD EAGLE

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The earliest full account of the Picnic discovered by our researchers, Iona Spencer and Shirley Funk, was 1904. We’ve got similar data for 1920 and 1930 but Lecompton must have been thriving in 1904 as that’s the only year cash prizes were awarded. By 1920 it was called the Lecompton Fair. In both 1920 and 1929 the Lecompton Sun almost goaded fair organizers to get a plan. In 1929, it wasn’t until the last weekend before that the Fair was a done deal. They had all kinds of contests: divinity fudge, eight kinds of jelly, green-sliced tomatoes, best display coxcomb, boudoir pillow, baby bonnet, canned carrots, bantams and brown leghorns, draft stallion, mule, best bull and on and on. Bald Eagle is publishing just a few of the winners. If you want to check how Great-Great-Uncle Joe did, visit the Territorial Museum at Lane.

Familiar names today from 77, even 103 years ago.

THE LECOMPTON SUN 1930 Prize Winners.

EMBROIDERY; Centerpiece, Mrs. Sarah Griggs, first; Mrs. G.L. McCarty, second; Centerpiece, colors – Miss Esther Bahnmaier, first; Mrs. G.L. McCarty, second;Sofa Pillow – Mrs. Beattie Collins, first; Mrs. Sarah Griggs, second; Buffet Set – Mrs. Geo. F. Bahnmaier, first; Miss Dorothy Paslay, second; Dresser scarf- Mrs. Curlin Sehon, first; Mrs. Raymond Foree, second; Pillow Cases – Mrs. Susie Matney, first; Miss Elizabeth Bahnmaier, second; Bed Spread – Mrs. Beatlle Collins, first; Miss Elizabeth Bahnmaier, second; Lunch Cloth – Miss Sarah Griggs, first; Miss Esther Bertschinger, second; Guest Towel –

Mrs. R.A. Hays, first; Mrs. G.L. McCarty, second; Baby Jacket - Mrs. Wm. Richards, first ; Baby Dress – Mrs. G.L. McCarty, first; Mrs. Wm. Richards, second; Apron, any style – Mrs. E.E. Griggs, first; Miss Esther Bahnmaier, second; Boudoir Pillow – Mrs. G.L. McCarty, first; Mrs. Paul Maust, second; Best Piece Applique work – Mrs. Esther Day, first; Mrs. Chas. Winter, second; Best Quilted Quilt – Miss Esther Bertschinger, first; Mrs. L. M. Correll, second; Best Piece Knitted Work – Mrs. R.M. Slavens, first; Mrs. Jesse O’Connor, second; Best Rag Rug – Mrs. Sarah Griggs, first; Mrs. G.L. McCarty, second.

TATTING

Baby Bonnet – Mrs., Gerald Holloway, first; Handkrchief, G.K. McCarty, first.

CROCHET

Pillow Cases – Mrs. Beattie Collins, first; Linen Towel – Mrs. Olive Oldham, first; Bath Towel – Miss Esther Bahnmaier, first.

CULINARY DEPARTMENT

White Bread – Mrs. Olive Oldham, first; Mrs. L.E. Stone, second; White Rolls – Mrs. Olive Oldham, first; Mrs. Le. E. Stone, second; Cinnamon Rolls – Mrs. Olive Oldham, first; Best White Biscuits – Miss. Hazel Taylor, first; Mrs Geo. Lasswell, second; Angel Food Cake – Mrs. Lelie DeMerrit, first; Mrs. Minnie Henry, second; Cocoanut Cake – Mrs. W.B. Stauffer, first; Mrs. Wm. Richards, second; Chocolate Cake – Mrs. Sam Sutton, first; Mrs. Harvey Glenn, second; Burnt Sugar Cake – Mrs. Vena Wilson, first; Jam Cake – Miss Esther Bertschinger, first; Mrs. G.T. McCarty, second; Apple Pie – Miss Hazel Taylor, first; Mrs. Geo. Lasswell, second; Cherry Pie – Mrs. Olive Oldham, first; Mrs. Chas. Winter, second; Chocolate Pie – Mrs. Olive Oldham, first; Mrs. Ada Mikesell, second; Lemon Pie – Mrs. Olive Oldham, first; Mrs. Ada Mikesell, second; Custard Pie – Mrs. Chas. Winter, first; Mrs. Olive Oldham, second; Raspberry Jelly – Mrs. J.A. Brown, first; Mrs. L.A. Stone, second; Apple Jelly – Mrs. J.A. Brown, first; Miss Hazel

Before ‘Territorial Days’ It Was

After World War II LHS band members did not need uniforms to play well. We don’t know their names, but it was their band. Sons and daughters of many listed fair or picnic winners still produce the old family recipes. Since the turn of the last century Lecompton farmers and craftspeople have been deservedly proud of their work. Some of these prize winning quilts, dolls, table centerpieces—no apple pies or watermelon pickles we’re certain—are on proud display in the Kansas Territorial Museum at Lane University. Territorial Days traces its origins back to these early “Harvest Home Picnics.” The contests, games and entertainment have changed to stay in tune with today’s fashion. We’re not so certain eating a slush and hot dog would top our old jelly rolls, fried chicken or pan gingerbread. In any event, enjoy Elmore Street.

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Taylor, second; Grape Jelly – Mrs. Geo, Sheets, first; Mrs. J.W. Kreider, second; Best Collection Jelly – Mrs. Geo. Lasswell, first; Cherry Preserves – Mrs. Olive Oldham, first; Mrs. Nettie Glenn, second; Strawberry Preserves – Miss Opal Matney, first; Mrs. Olive Oldham, second; Pear Preserves – Mrs. Olive Oldham, first; Watermelon Preserves – Mrs. Geo. Hanna, first; Mrs. Leslie Demerritt, second; Tomato Preserves – Mrs. J. A. Brown, first; Mrs. Olive Oldham, second; Peach Preserves – Mrs. J.A. Brown, first ; Canned Strawberries – Mrs. Jesse O’Connor, first; Mrs. Olive Oldham, second; Canned Plums – Mrs. Geo. Lasseell, first; Mrs. Olive Oldham, second; Canned Peaches – Mrs. J. A. Brown, first; Mrs. Olive Oldham, second; Best Collection of Canned Fruit – Mrs. Olive Oldham, first; Canned Carrots – Mrs. Ben Kellogg, first; Mrs. Olive Oldham, second; Peas – Mrs. Olvie Oldham, first; Mrs. Geo. Sheets, second; Beans – Alvira Oldham, first; Mrs. L.A. Stone, second; Corn – Mrs. Olive Oldham, first; Mrs. Geo. Sheets, second; Best Collection Vegetable – Mrs. Olive Oldham, first; Mrs. George Sheets, second; Cucumber Pickles – Mrs. Olive Oldham, first; Mrs. Alvira Oldham, second; Green Sliced Tomatoes – Alvira Oldham, first; Olive Oldham, second; Dill Pickles –Mrs. R.M. Gray, first; Olive Oldham, second; Beet Pickles - Mrs. Minnie Henry, first; Mrs. Olive Oldham, second; Watermelon Pickles – Mrs. Nettie Glenn, first; Mrs. Olive Oldham, second.

FLOWER DEPARTMENT

Most Artistic Bouquet Garden Flowers – Mrs. L.D. Wegener, first; Mrs. George F. Bahnmaier, second; Largest Zinnias – Miss Esther Bahnmaier, first; Mrs. L.S. Wegener, second; est Display Coxcomb – Mrs. J.W. Kreider, first; Prettiest Fern – Mrs. Nettie Glenn, first; Mrs. George F. Bahnmaier, second.

GIRLS DEPARTMENT

White Bread – Grace Kellogg, first; Devils Food Cake – Oneta Glenn, first; Chocolate Layer Cake – Lorene Hildenbrandt, first; Cocoanut Cake – Sophia Leonard, first; Grace Kellogg, second; Cherry Pie – Lucille Hildenbrand, first; Elsie Kellogg, second; Chocolate Fudge

– Fern Wymer, first; Jean Harding, second; Divinity Fudge – Sophia Leonard, first; Best Glass Jelly – Sophia Leonard, first; Oneta Glenn, second; Cookies – Lorene Hildenbrand, first; Cucumber Pickles – Elsie Kellogg, first; Pickled Beets – Grace Kellogg, first; Best Made Pajamas or Night Gown – Elsie Kellogg, first Fern Wymer, second; Best Dressed Doll – Rosemary Glenn, first; La Jean Miller, second; Best Made Garment – Dorothy Armstrong, first; Grace Kellogg, second; Embroidered Centerpiece – Ruth Norris, first; Embroidered Towel – Lucille Hildenbrand, first; Rosemary Glenn, second; Dresser Scarf – Rosemary Glenn, first; Lorene Hildenbrand, second.

MISCELLANEOUS DEPARTMENT

Best Sugar Cookies – Minnie Henry, first; Fudge – Miss Hazel Taylor, first; Miss Opal Matney, second; Divinity Fudge – Miss Opal Matney, first; Fried Chicken – Miss Lucile Hildenbrand, first; Miss Opal Matney, second; Jelly Roll – Mrs. G.L. McCarty, first; Mrs. Minnie Henry, second; Pan Gingerbread – Mrs. Minnie Henry, first; Cottage Cheese – Mrs. Minnie Henry, first; Mrs. Charles Winter, second. Doughnuts – Mrs. G.A. Alexander, first

THE LECOMPTON SUN October 14, 1920 Prize Winners, Agricultural Department:

10 longest ears, corn, Harvey Glenn-first, Frank Shirley, second; White corn, Harvey Glenn, first; Frank Wizer, second; Yellow 90-day corn, Amos James, first; Frank Shirley, second; Tallest stalk of corn, Harvey Glenn, first; Stalk longest corn, Harvey Glenn, first; Fred C. Smith second; 10 ears pop corn, Otis Morris, first, B. Baughman, second; 10 ears sweet corn, Frank Shirley; 10 stalks Kafir corn, Mike Shirley first; John Banks, second; 10 stalks Milo Maize, Harvey Glenn, first; Otis Morris, second; 10 stalks sorghum, Watts Bros. First; Willis Colman, second; Peck of alfalfa seed, W.A. Anderson; Sheaf of wheat, Elmer Goepfert first; August Hildenbrand second; Soft wheat, Elmer Goepfert first; August Hildenbrand second; Reat oats, C.W. Sehon first; Peck potatoes, Horace Glenn first; Frank Shirley second; Sweet potatoes,

Called ‘The Harvest Home Picnic’

By Popular DemandThis wonderfully graphic float built for the Centennial in 1976 that by popular demand participated in parades in both Lawrence and To-peka. We don’t have records of the float’s schedule but it wouldn’t be surprising if it showed up at any number of parades that summer.

continued on page 5

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Why That Big White Building On Elmore Street Is So Important!

Here’s a Detailed Account of How and What Happened Up on the Second Floor and Why Historians Say Lecompton’s Constitution Hall, Specifically, Was the ‘Birth Place of the Civil War’

By Tim RuesAdministrator, Constitution Hall State Historic Site

Members of the Kansas Territorial Constitutional Convention met in Lecompton in early September but it was the end of October before different committees addressed draft sections of the document. What was produced was very similar to most western states constitutions. But that was the easy part. There were two critical points to be resolved in the final days before Adjournment: first, the clause legalizing slavery in the state, and, second, whether the entire constitution should be submitted to the people for a vote. After 20 divisive days in November 1857 the Lecompton Constitutional Convention completed its work . Article VII declared that the right to own slaves could never be taken away from citizens on the state. One last minute effort by moderates was made to have this “slavery” constitution voted by all of the people but t was defeated by salve interests by a single vote. It meant the Lecompton Constitution, originally designed to be voted on by all Kansans, would be sent directly to Congress for approval. The moderates tried again, devising a plan for partial submission that called for a “constitution with slavery” or a “constitution without slavery.” But even the constitution with slavery was a misnomer as any person who owned

any of the 300 slaves—and their children--then in Kansas were guaranteed the right to keep them in perpetuity. Only the introduction of new slaves into the strata was prohibited.

Now A Final Version

The final version of the Lecompton Constitution dictated that an election would be held Dec. 21, 1857 to decide between a “constitution with slavery” and a “constitution without slavery” Then on Jan. 4, 1858, another election would decide who would be the Congressional delegate, governor and other state officials. It all sounded official and sound policy but free-staters would have none of it, despite promised Federal incentives for road and bridges and a territory reaching to and along the Rockies. They refused to vote on the Lecompton Constitution and so on Dec. 21, 1857, the “constitution with slavery” was overwhelmingly approved by a vote of abut 6,000 to less than 500 against. On Jan. 4, 1858 there were to elections, the one dictated by the Lecompton Constituting and a second called by the free-staters in Topeka. That vote showed only 200 votes for a constitution with or without slavery and 10,000

Back in 1856 Sheriff Sam Jones built the two story clapboard building that has served as U.S. Land Office, County Commissioners’ office, Masonic meeting hall, and so on, but in 1857 and 1858, the 2nd floor is where discussions turned to irate disagreements that were ‘the political birthplace of the Civil War.’

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������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Saturday-Sunday, February 10-11, 2007

Title Page of the 1857 Lecompton Constitution

Frank Shirley first, Frank Wizer second; Largest pumpkin, Wm. Goepfert first; A. P. Riley second; Crook neck squash, Frank Wizer first; Otis Morris second; Pie pumpkin, Herman Banks first; E.P. Day second; largest watermelon, Frank Wizer first; Horton Ooley second; Largest cucumber, C.H. Shaw first; Mrs. Geo. L. Glenn second; Head of cabbage, Geo. W. Norwood, first; Red tomatoes, Harvey Glenn first; Frank Wizer second; Pink tomatoes, Amos James first; Yellow tomatoes, C.R. Shaw first; Frank Wizer second; Red onions, Herman Banks first; Amos James second; Carrotts, Frank Wizer first; C.H. Harrington second; Parsnips, Frank Wizer first; C. R. Harrington second; Table beets, C.R. Shaw; first; Mango Peppers, C.R. Harrington, first; Joe Oliseo second; Gallon white beans, C.R. Harrington first; Amos James second; Collection of farm exhibits, C.R. Harrington first.

Boys Department: Jersey Heifer, 1920, Fred Smith; Poland China pig, 1920, Joe Smith; Yellow corn, Joe Smith; White corn, Joe smith; Kafir corn (milo), Joe Smith; Largest Pumpkin, Omar Huey first; Joe Smith second; Peck potatoes, Joe Smith.

Horticultural Department: Jonathan apples, George L. McCarty, 1st; Gus Brown, 2nd Rome Beauty, Gus Brown first; Noah Hetrick second; Winesap, Geo. McCarty, first; Newt Hamlin second; Kieffer Pear, G.R. Shaw first; Amos James second; Boquet Flowers, Geo. Brown first; Wilbur Hildenbrand second.

Poultry: Plymouth Rocks, Fred Smith first; John Banks second; White Rocks, C.R. Harrington; Brown Leghorns, Fred Smith; White Leghorns, Fred Smith; Anconas, C.R. Jackson; Bantams, Wilbur Hildenbrand first; Fred smith second; Largest Rooster, C.R. Harrington; White Pekin Ducks, A.P. Riley; Guineas, Barbara Worley; Collection of rabbits, Paul Daily first, Horlan Doley second.

Horses: Draft stallion, Roy Deskins; Draft mare, under 3 years old, Willis Colman first; Mrs. Willis Colman second; Draft team hitched, Willis Coleman first; Ed Mull second; Draft colt, 1920, Ray Deskin first; Willis Colman second; Single driver, Watts Bros. First; Elmer M.

Clanahan second; Mules, 1920, Guy McClanahan first; Marion Laswell second.

Cattle: Dairy cow, Frank Clark first; Wm. Drake second; Dairy heifer, 2 years old, Fred Smith. Beef Cattle: Best bull, Willis Colman first; Ed Mull second; Bred cow, Willis Colman; 2-year old heifer, Willis Colman; Heifer under 1 year old, Willis Colman; Best herd, not less than 5, Willis Colman ; Best animal, male or female, Harry Mull first; Willis Colman second.

Floats:

Glenn School first, Greenwood Valley School second.

THE LECOMPTON SUN 1904 Best peck of Jonathan apples (Parasol, given by A.D. Weaver to W.R. McCarty); Second best peck of Jonathan apples (Hat, given by Ober to Mr. Chesney)Best peck Willow Twig apples, 17 apples (Half dozen handkerchiefs (sp), given by Ed Wilder to F.D. Hoad) ;Pears (50c. Cash by J.H. McClanahan to B.F. Moore); Display of canned fruit, (Roast of beef by Zellars to Mrs. J. Brown); Jell (50c. Cash by Paul Winter to Mrs. J. Bahnmaier); Potatoes (4 shoes by J.P. Carlson to B. Armstrong); Onions ($1 Cash by Pendleton to J.C. Rogers); White Corn ($1 by A.G. Walters Walters to O.J. Thomas); Yellow corn (Oil stone by H.L. Raymond to D. Dyer); Squash (Neck tie by Boston Clotheriers to Chas. Duncan); Pumpkin, 99 ½ pounds ($1 by J.C. Tod-Hunter to Mr. Talor); Sweet Tomatoes (Lawrence Daily Word one year to Wm. Dullin); Honey (A year’s subscription by SUN to J.W. Reeder); Wheat (50c. By T.L. Kerns to Herschel); Bread, from white flour (Abe Hay Dress pattern to Pearl Viles); Bread, a girl under 16 ($1 by Bank of Perry to Flo Copple); Pan of Rolls ($1 by Dr. Kerns to Mrs. W.L Splangler); Apple Pie (Set of Paring knives by Dr. Chambers to Rose Morris); Peach Pie ((Chewing gum by J.W. Zellars to Mrs. John Brown); Cocoanut cake, girl under 16 years (Tapastry table cloth, by The Fair to Miss Filo Copple);

against it altogether, an impressive showing. Yet only the results from the Lecompton vote were forwarded to President James Buchanan. Buchanan had promised Kansans a vote on the constitution but after a month of Washington palavering, he reneged on the promise and asked both houses of Congress to pass the Lecompton Constitution, which he would sign into law. The Congressional debate consumed the nation. Southerners thought it was a fair document approved by Kansas voters while Northerners thought it a swindle, unrepresentative of Kansans’ sentiments. The House and Senate passed different versions and were deadlocked for weeks, until mid April when the Senate acquiesced. The prevailing House version demanded a closely monitored vote in Kansas on the

Lecompton Constitution. If it passed Kansas would become the 16th slave state; if not, then Kansas would be punished by terms that meant Kansas Territory would remain a territory for years. The Civil War, of course, changed that. On Aug. 2, 1858, Kansans voted a third time on the Lecompton Constitution under the tight, direst supervision administered by Gov. James Denver. The Lecompton Constitution—the pro-slavery document—was voted down 11,300 to 1,788. The voters of Kansas had soundly repudiated and forever killed the Lecompton Constitution. The free-staters would stop through Lecompton to open each legislature session but from 1858 through 1861 all serious deliberations were held in Lawrence.

continued on page 7

The Harvest Home Picnic continued from page 3

This actual document came home to Constitution Hall for Lecompton’s Sesquicentennial celebration last Pioneer Days.

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The Bald Eagle has reported on very nearly all events of historical importance in Lecompton since the 1970s. There was David Eisenhower’s visit to dedicate the restored Lane University building, home of the Kansas Territory Museum. Or chronicles of the profound lectures delivered each winter as part of Constitution Hall’s traditionally standing room only Bleeding Kansas presentations. These lecturers, many of whom rank with the best historians nationally, provide a solid body of knowledge about the Kansas Territory years, 1854-1861. But it is the year-by-year articles of events like Territorial Days, the Bald Eagle Rendezvous and stories of local interest that make these online presentations important. Some examples:

GENEALOGY—There are wonderful stories of the earliest Lecompton settlers, from the first five families to the autobiography by our own Spanish-American War and World War I hero, Major Charles Hettrick. Our genealogist, Iona Spencer, has done a masterful job of recreating many of these stories of pioneering families.

HISTORIC BUILDINGS – From stories about

the beginnings of the U.S. Kansas Territory Capitol Building construction to heart-warming tales of clapboard farm houses, the Bald Eagle does each proud. Some stories are about the old schools and the old churches—most of which are long gone now. Other stories are about famous historical buildings like Lane University and the first state Democratic Party headquarters.

BLEEDING KANSAS—The Bald Eagle gives then still to-be U.S. President Chester Arthur’s account of those turbulent times. Another eloquent voice of the time was Lt. Col. Hoole of Darlington, S.C., who had brought his wife with him to help establish a southern state in the mid 1850s. And the skirmishes…Fort Titus, to name the most famous.

CHARACTERS— Engaging recounts of the exploits of fabled legends like Dr. Aristide Rodrigue, and our first Mayor; the controversial Sheriff Sam Jones; General Jim Lane who became U.S. Senator; and Kansas’ first governor Charles Robinson’s captivity at Camp Sackett So go to your computer and type in www.LecomptonKansas.com and you’re on your way to 30 years of local history. Enjoy them.

the political birthplace of the american civil war capital city of kansas territory

:: territorial capitol:: constitution hall:: democratic hq:: constitution:: the bald eagle:: motor coach operators:: reenactors:: contact:: history

:: home

.: facts :. ································

There were seven capital locations in

territorial Kansas, but Lecompton was the

only permanent, official location.

································

.: links :.································

Kansas Memory································

The Bald Eagle archive

This quarterly newsletter, the Lecompton Historical Society's Bald Eagle, soared into cyberspace earlier this year. It's a major event for historians, educators, Kansas Territory buffs, because it provides access to nearly 30 years of historical accounts of happenings in much of northeastern Kansas.

The majority of these newsletters were digitized by Constitution Hall alternate Evan Ashcraft.

1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 19791980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 19891990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 19992000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006

1974

Volume 1 - Number 1 - MayVolume 1 - Number 2 - September

Page 1 of 4Historic Lecompton - birthplace of the civil war

5/26/2008http://www.lecomptonkansas.com/index.php?doc=bald_eagle.php

1975

Volume 1 - Number 3 - MayVolume 1 - Number 4 - December

5/26/2008http://www.lecomptonkansas.com/index.php?doc=bald_eagle.php

What the Bald Eagle Brings to the Website

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Battenburg (50c. by Geo. W. Smith to Miss Kate Boyles); (NOTE: Battenburg cake: or window cake) is a light spongecake which,when cut in cross section, displays a distinctive two-by-two check pattern alternately coloured pink and yellow. The cake is covered in marzipan and, when sliced, the characteristic checks are exposed to view. Drawn work (Hair Brush by Woodwards Drug Store to Herschel); Prettiest Quilt ($1 by W. E. Stone to Mrs, J.W. Murphy); Rug (Doilies by Leamer & Leamer to Mrs. C.W. Treadwell); Tallest farmer (Pitch fork by Ed Rilling to G.C. Edmonds); Longest jump boy under 16 (A book by Rowland & Stevens to Chas. Kettering); Standing jump, man over 60 ($1 to W.R. McCarty); Highest jump (Silk suspenders by Robinson & Wilney to Dugan); Highest jump, boy under 16 (A catchers mit by Hoadey to Anderson); To winning ball team (Ice cream by Hartup & Brown to Lone Star); Oldest married couple ($1 by Hilbert to G.W. Brown & wife, married in Warren Co., Ind., February 29, 1845. Sixty years next February; The woman who has kept house the longest

time in this community, (A broom by his own make by Joe Brown to Mrs. Moses McCall who has kept house here for 50 years or since fall of 54; Baby under one year (A high chair by J. Burke m’g’r Robinson Bro’s to Olin Hershel); Baby over one and under two ($1by Mrs. S.F. Harris to Norilian Barlett); Second prize (A crocheted cap, worth 1:25 by Mrs. Wagner to Margaret Moore); Prettiest young lady (A mirror by J.E. Wagner to Miss Elizabeth Greenwell); Heaviest beard boy under 18 (A razor by Larimer to R. Cadman); Mother of largest family on the gound (Pair of shoes by Starkweather to Mrs. Alex McCall); Piano Player under 18 (Collection of music by Bell Bro. To Miss Myra Spangler); Penmanship girl under 14 ($1 by Geo. Innes to Rachel Lewis); Saddle horse (Neck tie by J. House to Harry Reeder); Mule colt ($2.50 by D.L. Viles to H.A. Davidson); Horse colt ($2.50 by D.L. Viles to Chris. Carlson); Draft team (Lantern by Wark, Iliff & Co. to O.J. Thomas); Single driver ($1by Ed Harris to Kunkle on Joe Moon’s horse).

The Harvest Home Picnic continued from page 5

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MonthDaily Avg Monthly Totals

Hits Files Pages Visits Sites KBytes Visits Pages Files Hits

May 2008 895 719 419 259 2854 10888275 7004 11318 19426 24185Apr 2008 1007 798 458 284 3306 12783227 8527 13751 23967 30221Mar 2008 802 681 377 192 2965 13246538 5972 11711 21124 24864Feb 2008 819 652 368 204 2421 6687360 5942 10693 18930 23765Jan 2008 925 757 437 237 2868 7033199 7355 13556 23481 28684Dec 2007 681 572 353 207 2487 628333 6428 10961 17733 21139Nov 2007 1310 1147 417 250 3569 932435 7502 12521 34413 39323Oct 2007 1059 924 382 231 3328 865881 7189 11842 28654 32843Sep 2007 914 769 348 220 2441 1051936 6616 10458 23098 27426Aug 2007 723 597 371 228 2346 686626 7071 11511 18530 22439Jul 2007 768 649 431 274 2409 767019 8502 13371 20125 23814Jun 2007 900 694 430 309 2508 726306 9273 12911 20830 27029

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OBITUARIES

WRIGHT, Alice Clare, 88, passed away March 2, 2008. She was born June 11, 1919 in Westmoreland, KS., the daughter of Clarence and Helen Scott Brownfield. Her father died prior to her birth so she lived with her grand-parents on the Scott farm. When a teenager she and her mother moved to Topeka. Alice Clare was a teacher during World War II. She taught boys physical education at Berryton High School because the male teachers were in the war. She has a long career with the Topeka Public Schools, teaching English and Reading at Topeka High School, East Topeka, Highland Park, and Eisenhower Junior High School. She was married 63 years to Charles Wright and served as first lady when he was mayor of Topeka. In 1973, the Wrights attended their first Lecompton Historical Society meeting. Alice Clare was elected treasurer. She helped to launch a successful movement to restore Lane University. By frugal saving and with Federal grants, the group’s funds grew to about $190,000. She also helped her husband who was editor of the “The Bald Eagle” She was a Life Member of the Society. She was married to Charles W. Wright 63 years, he survives. Other survivors include three children, Charles W. Wright III, Danville, VA. Douglas S. Wright, Topeka and Catherine C. Howard, Lecompton, 6 grand-children and one great-grandchild. Inurnment is at Mt. Hope Cemetery Mausoleum, Topeka.

DENNON, C. ROBERT ‘BOB’, 80, of rural Tecumseh passed away, Feb. 8, 2008. He was born Mar. 10, 1927 the son of Clyde and Bess (Kreipe) Dennon. He attended Oak Grove Elementary school, Hayden High School and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1950 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1958 he married Carolyn Crouch of Ft. Worth, Tex. They moved to the home where Bob was raised. He was a parishioner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a Life Member of the Lecompton Historical Soc. He is survived by his wife Carolyn, four sons, one daughter, three grandchildren and one sister. Burial in St. Peters Catholic cemetery at Big Springs.

WOOD, Bob J., 65, Lecompton died Feb. 12, 2008. Bob was born 8-18-1942, in Topeka the son of Emery M. and Gertrude E. Nottingham Wood. He graduated from Topeka High. He served as a volunteer firefighter for 20 years for Lecompton Township. He married Betty L. Crow, 6-23-1962, Topeka, she survives. Other survivors include a son, Burke (Susan) Wood of Lecompton; a daughter, Belinda (Kevin) Janes of Perry; and 5 grandchildren, Josh and Chris Wood, Ryan Skinner,

and Derrick and Ashlee Janes. Burial in Maple Grove Cemetery, Lecompton.

SPENCER, J. Frank, 91, Lawrence, died Feb. 23, 2008. Frank was born 1-28-1927 in Big Springs the son of Harley I. and Cora Schaffer Spencer. He was married to Freda Wulfkuhle on Dec. 30, 1942, in Big Springs. She died April 25, 2004. He was a member of the Church of Christ, and a Life Member of the Lecompton Historical Society. She is survived by a daughter, Dorothy (Gerald) Martin, Baldwin City; a son, Calvin (Shirley) Spencer of Lawrence; 4 grandchildren, Robin, Karen, Michelle and Jed; one stepson, Terry; four great granddaughters; and four step-great grandchildren. Burial in Zion Cemetery at Watson. NEILL, Marie K., 102, Topeka, died Mar. 29, 2008. She was born Jan. 14, 1906, in Lecompton, the daughter of David Lusk and Carrie (Zeeb) Paslay. She graduated from Lecompton Rural High School in 1925 and Topeka Business College. She was a member of Grace Episcopal Cathedral church, and a Life Member of the Lecompton Historical Society. She married Hobart Neill on June 8, 1934. He preceded her in death Aug. 30, 1961. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Charley, Albert and David Paslay and two sisters, Martha Denewiler and Dorothy Beatty. Survivors include several nieces and nephews. Burial in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, Topeka.

KENT, Merton William, 93, of Overbrook, died April 22, 2008. He was born April 9, 1915 in Topeka, the son of Fay W. Fern Bigger Kent. He married Roberta Maxine Chandler on July 11, 1936, in Trenton, Mo. She died Mar. 11, 1999. He was also preceded in death by two daughters, Dorothy Kent and Louise Wallace. Survivors include four daughters, Ardith (Jim) Badger, Carbondale; Jeanie ( J.H.) Vestal, Overbrook; Carolyn (Bob) Glenn, Lecompton; Verna ( John) Pletcher, Lecompton; four half sisters, Zella Thompson, Clara Daugherty, Doris Cole and Corlis Becerra, all of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; 10 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Burial in Maple Grove Cemetery, Lecompton.

New Life Members: Wim Heusdens Howard HildenbrandEd HooverEldon L. MrstikAmy (Benecke) McLaren

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***************************Please Clip and Mail With Your Check******************************* THE LECOMPTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Lecompton, Kansas 66050, is a non-profit corporation

for the preservation of historical sites. We are eager for continued membership and new members. Dues are $10.00 per year for individual membership and $14.00 for a family membership. The dues are from December to Decem-

ber. Life membership is $100 per individual. Contributions are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to the Lecompton

Historical Society, and mailed to Georgia Trammel, Chairman, 11 N. 2064 Rd., Lecompton, KS 66050

( ) $10.00 Annual Individual Membership

( ) $14.00 Annual Family Membership

( ) $100.00 Individual Life Membership

( ) $50.00 Individual Memorial Membership

Name ____________________________________ Address _______________________________________

City _________________________________ State ______________________Zip ____________________PLEASE NOTIFY US OF ANY CHANGE OF ADDRESS

It costs Lecompton Historical Society at least 96 cents for a change of address, and the newsletter is returned. The cost for a postcard to notify us of your change of address is 82 cents, and the newsletter gets thrown away.

If you have moved and do not get your newsletter, this explains why.

Donations to the Territorial Capital Museum 1. Two antique rocking chairs. One from the W.O. Nelson home by Jackie Kennedy in memory of her husband Max Kennedy. 2. Three books of poetry by Laura McKnight; she is a member of the Winter Family3. Picture of Democratic Headquarters from the Pat Istas Estate4. W.W.1 Era photos and other memorabilia from Dr. G. Hetrick of Linxe, France. His father was a war hero and is buried in the Lecompton Cemetery. Please look at the Bald Eagle issue Fall 2006 for exerpts from Major Hetrick’s autoboigraphy.

Alumni Banquet

The Lecompton Alumni Banquet will be held June 21 at 6:00 P.M. in the Lecompton Elementary School. The building is air-conditioned and provides plenty of park-ing. The cost is $15 and may be mailed to P.O Box 63, Lecompton, Kansas. The cost includes the renting of tables and chairs. Constitution Hall and the Territorial Capital Museum at Lane University will be open.

Even National Park Guides Knows

Linda Aldridge reports that her family visited Washington D.C. and while touring the Lincoln Memorial a National Park guide was telling about the site and he asked where they were from. They stated Lecompton, Kansas and he began to tell them about the Lecompton Constitution and how important it was in American History.

who tells his Niece Nanette in Salina who tells her high school history classmates. Then that weekend Charlene Winter hosts tours of travel writers and in mid week escorts a group of Civil War historians through Lane and Constitution Hall. The next day Paul Bahnmaier goes to the National Heritage area meeting in Lawrence or Lexington, Missouri and tells a half dozen people if they want to know more about our city, try LecomptonKansas.com. Paul has been doing it for years, each week attending this meeting in Kansas City or that seminar in Atchison. He has had lots of help. For example, Brian Jordan, a Constitution Hall Bleeding Kansas Lecture Series speaker, tells historians, friends, war buffs of the extraordinary history found at LecomptonKansas.com. The Constitution Hall and Lane University Kansas Territorial Museum staff tell people. It took awhile but we have our VIRUS. 87,381 have been afflicted in a year; over eight years, maybe 250,000. When the LecomptonKansas.com website appeared on the Internet it was the inspiration of the Society’s Board and the technical wizardry of Shawn Garman, then a Lecompton High School geek. The beautiful graphic images you see today come after hours of fine tuning by Matt Powell, an alternate at Constitution Hall in late 1990. Tim’s assistants called themselves alternates. We call them Geeks from KU. The most recent has been Evan Ashcraft who digitized the 23 years of Bald Eagles to place them online and then designed the new Bald Eagle Online logo. The Bald Eagle now is online and you can look at any issue from its 23 years of publication. Tell a friend and know you’re one of us, a Lecompton Geek.

Our Very Own Geeks continued from page 1

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Territorial Day June 27 and 28

Family night at the carnival on Friday night Saturday7:00 Pancake feed8:00 Horseshoe Tournament 9:00 Constitution Hall and Territorial Capital Museum open 12 different pioneer living history skills displayed at Constitution Hall11:00 Parade11:30 United Methodist Church dinner1: 00 Civil War style show at Territorial Capital Museum2: 00 Bleeding Kansas play at Territorial Capital Museum6:00 Ice cream social in the Park9:00 Street Dance

THANKS TO EVERYONE!!! The 2007 Lecompton Territorial Days Committee wants to sincerely thank everyone who attended, helped, offered well-wishes, etc for this year's event! We don't know about you, but we had a BLAST!!!!

We'll start planning for 2008 very soon so if you'd like to be part of that planning process, please email us at makeithappen@lecomptonterritorialdays.com or simply check the website for meeting times.

What a great place to call home!!!

Do you have a favorite memory of Territorial Days? Want to make a suggestion? Click on Memories to tell us all about it!!!

Welcome, visitor number !

Expedia Coupon

Page 1 of 1Historic Lecompton Territorial Days 2008!

5/18/2008http://www.lecomptonterritorialdays.com/

President *Paul Bahnmaier Vice President *Rich McConnell Secretary *Vicki Roberts Bahnmaier Treasurer * Betty Leslie Board Members * Leah Kuhlman, George Simmons Keith Noe, Jason Dexter, Duane Wulfkuhle, Ron Meier Curators *Opal Goodrick, Ann Dunnaway George & Arloene Simmons, Darlene Paslay Membership Ass'ts. *Sandy Nichols Bald Eagle Editor *John Peterson

Mailing Labels *Sandra Nichols Program *Beverly VanDyke

Membership *Georgia Simmons Trammel Genealogy & Historical Researcher *Iona Spencer

Photographer * Shirley Funk Tours *Charlene Winter Illustrator *Ellen Duncan

Assistant Treasurer *Sherri Neill Kitchen * Vicki Leochner

Memorials *Ruth Ice

Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID

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